Private Edward Ernest Langridge
| Date of Birth | c.1897 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 21 |
| Date of Death | 6 June 1918 |
| Service Number | G/68474 / G/18765 |
| Military Service | 17th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers London Regiment |
| Merton Address | 59 High Street, Colliers Wood, London |
| Local Memorial | Mitcham War Memorial |
Additional Information
Ernest was born in March 1897, and was baptised at Christchurch, Mitcham on 23 April when the family were living in Merton Road, Mitcham. By 1901 the family had moved to 59 High Street, Colliers Wood. The head of the family was Stephen Langridge who was employed as a plumber. Ernest’s mother Emily Helena was so named because she was born on the island of St. Helena, the last home of Napoleon. The children were Stephen 10, Thomas 8, Francis 2, and Emily aged 1. Ernest was 4 years old, and the family also included their elderly grandmother Susannah Day.
The 1911 Census show that the family were still living at 59 High Street, Colliers Wood and that their father’s employment was described as General House Repairs. The family now included Henry who was 8 years old. Ernest was now 14 and still at school.
Ernest joined the East Surrey Regiment on 4 October 1917, but immediately transferred to the 17th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers a few days later. Ernest’s regiment would have been involved in the Battle of Cambrai (20 November – 7 December 1917), which was known for the first use of tank warfare.
Sadly, Ernest was killed in action on 6 June 1918 at the age of 21. He is buried at Bienvillers Military Cemetery, France and his grave is marked with a cross. The inscription reads: “THE CALL WAS SHORT THE SHOCK SEVERE TO PART WITH HIM WE LOVED SO DEAR”. Ernest is also commemorated locally on the Mitcham Memorial.